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In Touch - Dec. 13, 2007

How do you respond when you feel angry? Do you “blow up” and lose control, or are you able to maintain a calm and patient demeanor in provoking situations?

Sadly, many believers fail to manage their resentment in a positive fashion. But there are steps you can take to avoid the devastating consequences I mentioned yesterday.

First of all, admit that you have an anger problem. You may be irritated with yourself, someone else, or even God. But you’ll never overcome this negative emotion until you own up to its presence in your life.

Next, identify the source of your hard feelings. Ask yourself, Why am I reacting like this?With whom am I upset? What’s causing meto behave this way? Once you’ve figured out where your annoyance comes from, deal with it quickly—when bitterness is allowed to build up, we become prime targets for the Enemy. Paul’s advice is wise: “Do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26).

Finally, we need to forgive whoever is the source of our hurt. When we feel injured, that may seem too difficult, but it is the most important aspect of dealing with anger. How can we fail to pardon someone else when our heavenly Father forgave us by offering His Son as a sacrifice?

Anger doesn’t have to control your life. If you’re a believer, the Holy Spirit empowers you to walk in a Christlike manner. As you prepare for the week ahead, ask the Lord to pinpoint your areas of unresolved hostility. Trust Him to guide as you seek to take control of this emotion.